I've been hesitant to try Nine 05 for a really long time. I had a terrible experience at Fate and that really tarnished the image of the new restaurant for me. Finally, on our way home after a long day, we gave Nine 05 a try. I am so glad I did. I can honestly stay that this was one of the most stimulating meals that I have ever consumed. From start to finish my taste buds were dancing with all sorts of flavors that I have never experienced together. Thank you, thank you, thank you Nine 05 for not being another Fate.
I ordered the house made lychee soda to drink and I loved it! It was perfectly sweet and efervescent, really, a perfect complement to my meal. We chose the rice cakes as a starter , and we definitely weren't sure what to expect. The husband called them French Toasted Rice Sticks, but I call them yummy. The exterior was perfectly crisp while the inside was creamy and sticky, a perfect foil to the crispness. The coconut cream sauce served alongside it was perfect when drizzled with a bit of soy sauce.
For my entree I chose the Tonkotsu Ramen. I really had no idea what I was getting other than noodles and pork belly. I'm not an expert on Asian food or the way it should be prepared, but this was scrumptious. It was a rather chilly night and I didn't have a coat or anything and the soup warmed me from the inside out. The broth had a light flavor that slowly developed into a spice that got you right in the back of the throat. The pork belly was to die for and I kept looking for more even after they were long gone. The noodles were good and not too mushy. This is the dish I want when I'm feeling under the weather and in need of some comforting food.
I've heard a lot of great things about the blueberry mochi cake, so I insisted that we try it. I'm so glad we did because it was the perfect end to my exciting meal. The cake was tender and flavorful. The blueberries were deliciously sweet. The sorbet on top of it all was wonderful and the sauces drizzled around were intensely good.
I am so happy I finally gave Nine 05 a try. It does everything right in my book, especially the revamped interior. The bright, open, clean look is a wonderful contrast from the previous restaurants dark, dingy, hazy look. I WILL be coming back.